Electric switch



Dec. 23, 1941. A. w. KRIEGER 2,267,203

ELECTRIC' swITcH l Filed July 25, `19141 3 sheets-sheet 1 mg@ d,

as a 4o ggf 48 4| 43 b d 38 Qcsc 369.3936b ,39 39 aeigff 39 434a38e 3. I /f lll Il 42438K ggf@ 50 25|3| 45- A f42f fsa 30""30b b 48c alf 4849 48g 4 so@ 6 LV2; @e '30248 h 23 30: Z6 Z6 30 31e 2219 35 25 7235 I Balsam 24' sa. Il l I6 I l u 1| '5 37 9 263'2 72 37 a7 27 ,29 as Dec. 23, 1941. A, w, KRIEG'ER v 2,267,203

ELECTRICl SWITCH Filed Ju1y 25, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 23, 1941. A. w. KRIEGER 2,267,203

Filed .July 25, 1941 3. ,sheets-sheet s to improvements in relatively high switches adapted for airplane use.

Patented Dec. 23, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT orFlcE ELECTRIC SWITCH Alvin W.' Krieger, Milwaukee, Wis., `assigner' to Cutler-Hammer, Inc.,'Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware f Application'July 25, 1941, Serial No. 403,960

i (o1. zoo-6s) l 26 Claims.

This invention relates "to improvements `in electric switches, and although not limited thereto the invention` relates more particularly vcapacity A primary object of the invention is to improve the details of construction and operation and to simplify assembly of the parts of switches of the aforementioned character.

Another object is to provide a relatively small switch of the aforementioned high capacity, wherein the various switch parts are of extremely ruggedv and durable construction.

Another object is to provide stationary and movable contact and terminal members of improved form, together With novel means for insuring proper operation of the movable contact bined in different ways to provide switches having any of a number 'of diilerent electrical characteristics.

Another and more specic object is to provide t by mere substitution of certain parts) a switch of the double-throw type, either with or without an intermediate off position, or, alternatively, a single-throw switch of the two-position type.

Another object is to provide a three-positionl switch having novel means for affording 'only momentary positioning of the contactor inone or the other or each of its extreme positions, or a two-position switch wherein the contactor may be biased to one or the other of its extreme positions.

'Another object is to provide novel means for housing and supporting the switch mechanism.

Various other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

'I'he accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention which will now be described, it being understood that the illustrated embodiments are susceptible of modification in respect of certain structural details thereof without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is an enlarged'vertical sectional viewV (approximately one and onehalf times actual scale) of a single-pole, doublethrw switch having an intermediate "oiP position-said switch having associated means to i bias the contactor out of its left-hand o position,-a fragment of the upper yend of the operating lever being broken away.

Fig. 2 is a transverse section, substantially on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view (approximately three-fourths of full scale) 4of the molded insulating base of the switch, showing the statlonary contact and terminal members and the intermediate contactor support and terminal member'ettached thereto.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational View, with a portion of the housing broken away, showing the various switch parts in their intermediate, or cif, lposition.

Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view, in Aseparated relation, of certain parts of the switch shown in Figs. 1 to 4.

Fig; 6 is a bottom plan view of a modied form of the switch shown in Figs. 1 to 5,--the added bus member of Fig. 6 affording a single circuit controlling switch which provides for momentary closure of `the circuit upon movement vof the lever in one direction from its intermediate positionv and non-momentary closure of the circuit upon movement of said lever in the reverse direction from its intermediate position.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view, partly in section and partly in elevation, showing a switch which `is otherwise like that of Figs. 1 to 5,-but modified to provide for momentary engagement of the contacts upon movement of the lever in each direction from its intermediate position.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary View similar to Fig. 7,

but modied to provide for non-momentary engagement of the contacts upon movement of the lever in each direction from its intermediate position. f

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing a two-position, single circuit controlling switch,

with associated parts to provide for momentary l,

completion of the controlled circuit upon movement of the lever to one of its two positions.

Fig. 10 `is a fragmentary View of a switch.

which may be otherwise like that shown in Fig. 9, but wherein the contactor is reversed in its relation to the pivotal support, with a corresponding reversal of the contact and terminal elements, to provide for momentary off positionmg of the contactor.

Fig. 1l is a view similar to Fig.y 10, but modified to `provide for non-momentary positioning of the contactor in either its on or its oif" position, and

Fig. 12 is a Jfragmentary View of a doublethrow, multiple circuit controlling switch, without an ofP' position, which may be of the nonmomentary type in either extreme position of the lever, as provided by operating means like that of Fig. 11, or of the momentary contact type 'inone extreme position of the lever, as provided by operating means like that of Fig. 9. Referring first to Figs. 1 to 5, wherein I have illustrated a single-pole, double-throw, or threeposition, switch adapted for multiple circuit control, and wherein the contactor` is normally biased from one of its circuit completing posi tions to its intermediate off position,-the contactor being free from bias toward said off position when moved to its other circuit com-nv pletingposition. The numeral l designates a aec'zgeoe are respectively provided with upwardly opening rectangular notches 26b and 26. A punched and stamped sheet'metal actuating element 30 of' cruciform has upwardly offset laterally extending arm portions 3BE and 331 adapted to seat atwise against the horizontal bottom edges of the respective bearing notches,.thevertical por tions 33 and 33d (Fig. 5) cf said arms of the `'actuating element cooperating with the inner base molded from any suitable insulating mate- 1 rial, preferably Bakelite As best. illustrated in Fig. 3, base l5 is of substantially rectangular contour, and the same is provided on its upper surface with a symmetrically arranged integral, flat, raised portion IS of approximately elliptical contour. -Por-tion I6 is provided with a pairv of symmetrically arranged recesses and i8 of square contour and a centrally located rectangular recess |3, the longer dimension of which is arranged at a right angle to the longitudinal center line of said raised portion.

Each of the recesses Il', `|8 and I3 has aA centrally arranged circular opening to respectively accommodate the downwardly extending threaded shanks 20, 2| and 22 of said terminal members, the square heads of which are shown 'at 23, 24 and 22B. The heads 23 and 24 fit closely and non-rotatably within the recesses and I8, and are of greater height than the depth of said recesses, so as to project a substantialdegree above the surface of projection |6,the corners of the upper surfaces of heads 23 and 24 preferably being beveled, as shown at 23E and 248. Each head 23 and 24 preferably has symrnetrlcally positioned thereon (as shown in Fig.

3) and rigidly and permanently attached thereto, as by welding or brazing or in any other suitable manner, a stationary tip 25 of a suitable contact material, such as silver or a composition including silver. Tips 2% elliptical contour (Fig. 3) and the upper surfaces thereof are preferably of convex form, as shown I in transverse cross section inFig. 1.

Non-rotatably seated withinv recess |9 is a U- shaped sheet metal support member 26, preferably brass,-the bottom or connecting portion 2li*L thereof, having a centrally located clearance opening for the aforementioned shank 22 of the terminal member, whereby the head 22a is adapted to seat against said connecting portion 26 to clamp the support 26 in position. As shown in Fig. 1, the depth of recess IS is preferably'greater than the combined thickness of portion 2liB and head 22a, so that the upper sur .face of the latter is slightly below the upper surface of base portion I6. Each of the terminal Shanks 20, 2| and 22 has a fiat washer 2 and a lock washer 28 strung thereon and a nut 23 threaded thereon, whereby the terminals are rigidly attached to base |5,each shank also being provided with another set of washers 2| and 28 and a nut 29 to provide for attachment of circuit wires (not shown). The parallel arms of support 26 (see Fig. 5)

surfaces of the arms of Vsupport 26to prevent accidental lateral displacement of said actuating element. Element 30 includes a second pair of arms located between and extending in opposite directions at right angles to the arm portions 3|]a and 3|lb,-said last inentined arms respectively comprising adiacent arcuate or concave portions 33e and 30! and straight end portions 30g and 30h extending upwardly at a vpredetermined angle relatively to each other.

As shown in Fig. 2 the arm portions 30a and 30h of the actuatinglelement each extend laterally a substantial distance beyond the arms of support 26, and each yarm portion is provided, with an opening, as shown at 301 and 30|. Thef switch contactor comprises a punched and stamped sheet metal member 3|, preferably composed of copper oran alloy thereof, such as beryllium copper. As shown, said contactor has Y afmain body portion 3|a of substantially ellipare preferably of tical or loop-shape, and of such lsize as to surround the support 26. The perforated intermediate at portions 3|b'and 3|c of the contactor are adapted to-overlie and normally seat against the aforementioned arm portions 30a and 30h of actuating element 30. A pair of headed rivets 32, 32 have their shanks extended downwardly through the alined openings in portions 3|b, 3| and arm portions 30B, 33h; coiled springs 33, 33 (Fig.'2) being telescoped onto the shanks of said rivets and retained under apredetermined degree of compression, as by means of washers 34, 34, which are in turn retained by the upset ends of the rivet shanks.

The opposite ends 3Id, 3| of contactor 3| are formed to extend upwardly at a predetermined angle to each other, as best illustrated in Figs. l and 4,--said ends having attached to the lower surfaces thereof the contact tips 25, 25 for cooperation with the aforementioned tips of the respective stationary contacta-the four contact tips of the switch being preferably composed of like material.

Endportions 3| d and 3|e of the contactor have lugs formed integrally therewith and extending inwardly and downwardly therefrom at a slight angle thereto, respectively, as shown at 3|f and SIS. The actuating element 3U is so' assembled with respect to contactor 3| that the straight end portions 33E and 3l!h respectively overlie portions of the lugs 3| f and 3|?, as best illustrated in Figs. l and 4. Contacter 3| is provided with a pair of lugs 3|h and 3|i extending downwardly from the outer edges of the respective portions 3 |h and 3 for a purpose to be described.

The springs 33, 33 act to bias contactor 3| toward a centered position relatively to actuat-y y y 2,267,203 portions of the conductor between the points of` attachment thereof are sufficiently slack to per- A deep-drawn or stamped sheet metal member 36 of inverted cup-shape,-member 36 being of a contour, in horizontal cross section, substantially corresponding to, but slightlylarger than, the periphery of raised portion I6 of the base, about which it is adapted to t, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Member 36 is provided at its lower end with a horizontal flange 36a adapted to overlie the upper surface of base I5 around the raised portion I6 of `the latter,the peripheral edge of said flange being coincident or ush with the periphery ofbase l5, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4. Flange 36 and base I5 are provided adjacent to the four corners thereof with alined openings (see theopenings l5a in Fig. 3) to accommodate overthe corner portions'fofgthe i'lange, v=r.. The side and end walls of housing 36'ar'e'curved inwardly at the upper end portions thereof to merge into the horizontal upper end wall 36h, said end wall being provided with a centrally located circular opening-315c which is adapted to provide clearance for oscillatory movement of an operheaded rivets 31, the shanks of which are upset ating lever 38. Endwall 36b is also provided with a pair of symmetrically arranged openings 36l and 36e to respectively accommodate the downwardly offset and perforated portions 39e and 39b of a substantially at sheet metal supporting plate 39. Plate 39.is provided with a centrally located opening 39c alined with opening v36c to provide clearance for lever 38. A bushing 40 of suitable metal such as` brass has a reduced end.

adapted to fit within opening 39,-said reduced end being upset over the lower surface of plate 39 to secure the bushing thereto. The primary purpose of bushing 40 is to provide a more finished and attractive appearance to the switch as a whole. Plate 39 is provided adjacent to the four corners with perforations shown in dotted `lines to bear against the inner surface of said upper end wall 36h of the housing.

Studs 4|a and 4Ibare held for pivotal movement about a substantially xed center, as by meansof a sheet metal frame 42'of inverted channel-shape,-the upper end wall of said frame being out away as at 42a (Figs. land 4), to provide oscillatory clearance for lever 38.' Frame 42 is adapted to be slid upwardly over the lower end of lever 38; and the parallel sides of the frame are provided at the mid-points of their exposed upper edges with -semicircular notches 42b and 42c to underlie and partially surround studs 4Ia and 4lb to maintain a substantially xed center of oscillation of the latter. The upper end Wall of frame 42 is provided with perforated `extensions,-which perforations are alined with the aforementioned openings in offset portions 39,

and 39b of plate 39 and in the upper end wall 36b of the housing; a'pair of headed rivets 43, 43 (Fig. 1) having their shanks inserted downwardly through said openings and upset over the lower surface of the upper end wall of vframe 42, to secure -the several parts, including lever 38, in assembled relation to the housing.

Frame 42 is provided in its parallel side walls with pairs of alined openings, into one pair' of whichopenings the shank of a headed rivet 44 is inserted to span the channel of said frame,-the

- is adapted toY receive the upper looped or hooked at 39d, to accommodate suitable rivets or bolts (not shown) adapted to attach the switch as a whole to a panel or other suitable support.

Lever 38 preferably comprises a piece machined from a brass rod of square cross section,-the

lower end portion 38a thereof being permitted toA remain square; an intermediate portion 38b thereof being turned or` cut away to substantially cylindrical form` with a substantially dome-shaped upper end 38; and a handle portion 38d of circular form in transverse cross section formed inf tegrally with and extending upwardly from said portion of dome-shape. Handle portion 38d, as

shown, is preferably tapered downwardly to a A, adapted to receive with a drive Vfit the straight-5 knurled (see Fig. -1) cylindrical intermediate portion of a cold rolled steel member ISL-member 4I having reduced laterally extending cylindrical ends or pivot studs 4 Ia and 4|b which are adapted end 46 of a coiled tension'spring 46,-the lower hooked end 4Gb of each spring being engaged iny a groove 45E of a second pin. 45 which penetrates; a pair of alined slots 42dand 42e in the side walls of said frame.

Rotatably supported upon the last mentioned pin 45, and positioned between the frame side walls is a cylindrical member or roller 41,-said last mentioned pin 45 and roller 41 being biased by the tension of the pair of springs 46 to automatically eect return of lever 38 to its intermediate or oi position in the-event that said lever is moved in a clockwise direction from said intermediateposition thereof and then manually released. On the other handl in the event of counterclockwise movement of lever 38 to its other extreme position shown in Fig. 1, the springs 46 will have no biasing effect whatever upon said lever.

' The arrangement is therefore such that momentary engagement of the left-hand contact by the contacter is provided for, whereas non-momentary engagement of the right-hand contact by -upper pin 45 and rivet 44 in the respective upper openings, and by transferring the lower pin 45 and roller 41 to cooperativev relationship with slots 42t and 428,-with a corresponding reversal of the direction of pull-of the springs 46, 46, al switch t Y will be pro-vided wherein momentary engagement of the contacter with the right-hand contact, or,

alternatively, non-momentary engagement of the nrt-hand Contact, is afis provided with a kerf aiording a pair of alined slots 38h and 38i (Figs. 2 and 4) extending throughout the major portion of the height of said square portion.

The composite plunger comprises a rod 48a formed of any suitable metal, such `as brass, adapted to slide within the recess 38g and has an insulating element 48b molded onto'the lower end portion thereof,-said end portion of the rod being preferably roughened, as shown at 48c in Fig. 1, to insure a rigid connection between said elements. 'I'he upper or main body portion of insulating element 48|D is of cylindrical form and is slidable with the aforementioned. recess 38f,-the lower end portion thereof being enlarged to provide shoulders at'the four corners thereof (one of which is shown at 48d in Fig. 2) to positively limit the degree of upward sliding movement of the plunger within the lever. Said cylindrical portion of element 48" is provided at diametrically opposite sides thereof with integral vertical ribs 48e and 48f which respectively fit between the walls of the slots 3811 and 38i in lever 38.

The enlarged lower end of insulating element 48b is recessed as shown at 48g, 48h and 138i in Figs. l and 2 torespectiveady provide rotatable clearance for a metal roller 49 and downwardly opening bearings for the pivot studsv49El and 49|D formed integrally with the latter. The arrangement is such that roller 49 isadapted to'bear l against the arm portions 30e, 30f, 3 0g andy 3l)h 'ofactuating element 30. A relatively strong coiled\ compression spring 50 is interposed between the upper end wall of recess 38f and the upper end of insulating element 48b to at all -times tend to eject the plunger downwardly from the lever 38. l

As will be apparent from Fig. 4, the parts are so arranged as to provide for substantially positive retention of the contactor in its intermediate or fof position. If the springs 46 are omitted the switch parts will likewise act to substantially positively retain the contactor in either of its on positions,-the spring 50 acting in each case to aiord adequate contact pressure. The switch herein disclosed has a current controlling capacity of 100 amperes, direct current, and is intended primarily for use on airplanes and the like; although' the same obviously is adaptable for general use.

In the modification illustrated in Fig. 6, all of the switch parts may be assumed to be identical with the parts oi' the switch shown in Figs. 1 to 5. However, in l'l'ig.l 6 a metal conductor or bus member 5|. is interposed between the terminal members 20 and -2I to provide a permanent electrical connection therebetween. The switch is thus adapted for control of a single circuit, one wire of which may be connected to terminal 22 and the oth'er wire may be connected to either of the terminals 20 or 2l. With such an arrangement, it will be .apparent from consideration of Figs. 1 and 4 that upon counterclockwise movement of lever 38 from its intermediate 'posit-ion' the contactor will be engaged with the righthand stationary contact to complete the circuit and will remain in engagement upon manual release of the lever; whereas upon clockwise movement of the lever the contactor will engage the left-hand stationary contact, to complete the same circuit, but the contactor will move to its 'intermediate 4off position immediately upon manual release of the lever. The utility of such an arrangement will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Again considering Fig. 2, `it is to be understood that with the switch parts in the respective positions illustrated the springs 33, 33 will normally act upon movement of lever 38 to its interme` diate position (with consequent movement of actuator 30 to its intermediate position, as shown in Fig. 4) to eiect a corresponding movement of contactor 3l to its intermediate off position. However, in the event that th'e contactor tends to stick or freeze to the contact last engaged thereby the full force of spring 5D will be applied, through the actuator 30, to the free end of the contactor to pry the same loose from the stationary contact. Moreover, in the remotely possible event that the contactor is stuck so tightly to the contact as to resist the pressure of spring 50, disengagement of Vthe contactor may be positively eiected by manually moving lever 33 to its opposite extreme position, as will be obvious.

In all of the switches herein disclosed I prefer to provide a section of wound kraft paper tubing, in which a water resistant glue is employed to uni-te the layers or laminations of the paper. In practice the tube section is initially of cylindrical form and of the required peripheral dimension,-the same being vertically scored or otherwise weakened at four spaced points, to facilitate bending thereof to the desired cross sectional sh'ape to rather closely surround the raised portion i6 rof the base I5 (Fig. 3) and to t snugly within the housing 3B to provide an insulating lining for the major portion of the height of the latter, as shown at 52 in Figs. 1, 2 and 4. 4The primary purpose of said insulating lining 52 is to prevent accidental engagement of the stranded wire bus or conductor 35 with said housing.

`as stops for lever 38, and in each pair of alined slots 42d, l2e and 421, 42lz aforedescribed I place a pin 45,-each pin 45 rotatably supporting with'- in frame 42 a metal roller 41 for cooperative engagement with lever 38 when in its respective extreme positions. A pair of like coiled tension springs, one of which is shown at 53, have their hooked ends attached to the groo-ved ends of pins 45, 45 at the respective outer sides of the frame 42, to normally bias both of said pins toward the inner ends of their associated slots. It is to be understood that the springs 46, 46 aforedescribed might be substituted for the springs 53 of Fig. 7 without any change in the operative characteristics of the switch. As aforeindicated. the switch of Fig. 7 provides-for automatic re- In Fig. '7 I have fragmentarily illustrated anin section at 56B.

turn of the lever and contactor to intermediate oli position upon manual release of the lever after movement of the latter to either extreme position.

The switch shown fragmentarily in Fig. 8 may be otherwise like-that of Fig. 7, but having the tary "on type.

The switch shown in Fig. 10 may begassumed pins 45, 45, rollers 41 and springs 53 omitted,

so that the contactor will remain in any one of th'e three positions to which it has been moved by' opera-tion of the lever 38 notwithstannnig manual release of the lever.

In Fig. 9 I have shown a modified form of switch of the single-pole, single-throw (or on and oif") type, wherein certain parts identical with those aforedescribed may be employed,- such like parts being given corresponding numerals of reference. In Fig. 9 the frame 54 (which is otherwise substantially like the frame 42 aforedescribed) is'provided with a pair of relatively long alined slots (one of which is shown at 54a) at the left-hand end thereof to receive one of the pins 45,-said frame being provided at the right-hand end thereof with a pair of alined substantially circular alined openings to accommodate a second pin 45. A pair of coiled tension springs,one of which is shown at 55,-have their hooked ends attached in the aforedescribed manner to the pins at opposite sides of frame 54, whereby the roller 41 acts upon lever 38 to bias the same in a counterclockwise direction to one of its two extreme positions.

In the switch of Fig. 9 the contactor 3| may be like the contactor aforedescribed, except that no contact tip is attached to the right-hand end thereof.i Also in Fig. 9 the actuating element 56 has its arm portions upon which the roller 49 is adapted to bear arranged in the form of a continuous curve, as shown,-said actuating element being otherwise exactly like the actuating element 30 aforedescribed. `The sheet metal support member 51 of Fig. 9 is provided in its parallel upstanding arms with upwardly opening bearing notches the bottom walls of which are in the form of upwardly converging edges, as

shown at 51, whereby to provide knife-edge pivotal bearings for the laterally extending arms of actuator 55,-one of said arms being shown The left-hand terminal member may be identical with that aforedescribed,-the same having a head 213 and contact tip for cooperation with the single tip 25 carried by contactor 3|.

The right-hand terminal member 58 in Fig. 9 preferably has formed integrally with the head 58 thereof a substantially rectangular upward corresponds to the combined thickness of a pair of contact tips 25 (for which it is substituted).

A relatively short bolt 59 is employed to secure the support member 51 to base l5, and a metalstrip or bus member is interposed between terminal member 58 and bolt 53 (as shown) to provide a good electrical connection therebetween.

tion of the controlled circuit upon movement of lever 38 to its extreme position in a clockwise direction,the springs 55 acting upon manual release of the lever to rotate the latter in a counterclockwise direction to its other extreme position to elfect interruption of the controlledcircuit,-thus providing a switch of the vmomento be otherwise identical with that of Fig. 9,-- except that in Fig. l0 the contactor 3| is reversed in position with respect to support member 51, and the positions of terminal members 2U and 58 and bus member 69 are reversed with respect to the positions thereof in Fig. 9. As a consequence it will be seen that the swit'ch of Fig. 10 is of the momentary off type-the aforementioned springs acting to automatically eiect returnof the contactor to on position upon manual release oflever 38. 1

vThe switch shown-in Fig. 11 may be otherwise identical with that of Fig. 10, except that the pins 45 and vsprings 55 vare omitted, so that the contactor 3| will remain in either its circuit completing or circuit interrupting position pending manual movement of lever 38. Although I have shown the frame 42 embodied in the switch of Fig. 11, it is obvious that the aforedescribed frame 54 may be substituted .therefor if desired.

The switch illustrated in Fig. l2 is of the single-pole, double-throw type, without an olf position. The terminal members 28, 2| and 22 and their associated parts may be identical with the corresponding parts of the device of Figs. 1.

to 5; whereas the support member 51 and the actuatingl element 56 are of the character illustrated in Fig. 11,.y The switch of Fig. l2 may be of the non-momentary type in either extreme position of lever 38 if operating means (without ments ofmy'inventlon, itis believed that various other modifications thereof are obvious, or will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, in the light of the present disclosure.

As shown in Fig. 4, the handle portion 38d of lever 38 may be formed to accommodate, and to provide for attachment of, a luminous tip 381,01

Well known form.

As aforeindicated, all of the switches herein disclosed `are of 100 amperes current controlling capacity. Where the switches are used for control of substantially lower current values, it may be found desirable (for purpose of economy) to omit thestranded conductor 35,-whereas also under'such conditions the various parts of the switches may be made of substantially smaller dimensibns, as will be obvious.

I claim:

1. In an electric switch, in combination, a substantially U-shaped metal support, an`upwardly vopening bearing formed in each arm of said support, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element of crucifonn having a pair of upwardly offset laterally extending arms .adapted to seat within the respective bearings,

the other pair of arms of said actuating element extending in substantially arcuate form at right angles to thev arms r'st mentioned, a punched and stamped sheet metal contactor of approximately elliptical contour adapted to surround said support and having portions superimposed kupon the outer ends of said rst mentioned arms,

spring means normally acting to retain said last mentioned parts in engagement with each other while yieldably permitting relative movement therebetween, and said contactor having portions underlying portions of said second pair of arms to provide for positive movement of said contactor jointly with said actuating element upon a predetermined degree of tilting movement of the latter.

2. In an electric switch, in combination, a substantially U-shaped metal support, an upwardly opening bearing formed in each arm of said support, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element "of cruciform having a pair of upwardly offset laterally extending arms adapted to seat within the respective bearings, the other pair of arms of said actuating element extendingv in substantially arcuate form at right angles to the arms iirst mentioned, a punched and stamped sheet metal-contactor of approximately elliptical contour adapted to surround said support and having portions superimposed upon the outer ends of said iirst mentioned arms, spring means normally acting to retain said last mentioned parts in engagement with each other while,` yieldably permitting relative movement therebetween, said contactor having portions underlying portions of said second pair of arms to provide for positive movement of said contactor jointly with said actuating element upon a predetermined degree of tilting movement of the latter, a wiring terminal member having an integral part thereof superimposed upon the intermediate portion of said support to clamp the latter in position upon a suitable base, and a stranded bare conductor rigidly attached to said part of the terminal member andto said contactor to insure a good electrical connection therebetween.

3.'In an electric switch, in combination, a substantially U-shaped metal Support, an upwardly opening bearing formed in each arm of said support, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element of cruciform having a pair of laterally extending arms adapted to seat within the respective bearings, the other pair of arms of said actuating element extending in substantially arcuate form atright angles to the arms first mentioned, a punched and stamped sheet metal contactor of approximately elliptical contour adapted to surround said support and having portions superimposed upon the outer ends of said first mentioned arms, means including a pair of coiled compression springs normally acting to retain said last mentioned parts in engagement with each other while yieldably permitting relative movement therebetween, said contactor having portions underlying portions of said second pair of arms to insure movementI of said contactor jointly with said actuating element vupon a predetermined degree of -tilting move- 4. In an electric switch, in combination, a sub-` stantially U-shaped metal support, -an upwardly opening bearing formed in each arm of said support, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element of cruciform having a pair of laterally extending arms adapted to seat within the respective bearings, the other pair of arms of said actuating element extending in substantially arcuate form at right angles to the arms rst mentioned, a punched and stamped sheet metal contactor of approximately elliptical contour adapted to surround said support and having portions superimposed upon the outer ends of said rst mentioned arms, spring means normally acting to retain said last mentioned parts in engagement with each other while yieldably permitting relative tilting movement therebetween, said contactor having portions underlying posite ends of said conductor being likewise welded to the respective lugs of said contactor, for the purpose set forth, and the respective arms of said support being notched to accommodate portions of said conductor, to minimize the required length of the latter.

5. In an electric switch, in combination, a sub-v stantially U-shaped metal support, an upwardly opening bearing formed in each arm vof said support, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element of cruciform having a` pair of upwardly offset laterally extending arms adapted to` seat within the respective bearings, the other pair of arms of said actuating element extending in substantially arcuate form at right angles to the arms rst mentioned, a punched and stamped sheet metal contactor of approximately elliptical contour adapted to surround said support and having portions superimposed upon the outer ends of said first mentioned arms, spring\ means normally acting totretain said last mentioned parts in engagement withv each other while yieldably permitting relative movement therebetween, said contactor having portions underlying portions of said second pair of arms Yto provide for positive movement of said contactor jointly with said actuating element upon a predetermined degree of tilting movement of the latter, a wiring terminal member having an integral part thereof superimposed upon the intermediate portion of said support to clampy the latter in position upon a suitable base, said contactor having a pair of lugs formed integrally therewith and extending downwardly at points adjacent to said outer ends of the first men- `tact and terminal member underlying one end of said contactor and into and out of engage' A ment with which the latter is adapted to move;

6. In an electric switch, in combination, a substantially U-shaped sheet metal support, an upwardly opening bearing formed in each arm of said support, a punched and'stamped sheet metal actuating element of cruciform having a pair of upwardly offset laterally extending arms adapted to seat within the respective bearings, the other pair of arms of said actuating element extending in substantially arcuate form at right angles to the arms rst mentioned, a punched and stamped sheet metal contacter of approximately elliptical contour adapted to surround said support and having portions superimposed upon the outer ends of said rst'mentioned arms, means including a pair of rivets and a pairv of `coiled compression 'springs' captively associated with said last mentioned parts vand normally acting' to retain the same in engagement with each4 other while yieldably permitting relative tilting movement therebetween, said contactor having portions underlying portions of said second pairof arms to insure movement of said contactor jointly with said actuating element upon a predetermined degree of tilting movement of the latter, a wiring terminal member having an integral part thereof superimposed upon the intermediate portion of said support to clamp the latter in position upon a suitable base, said contactor having a pair of lugs formed integrally therewith and extending downwardly at points adjacent to saidouter ends of the iirst mentioned arms.` a stranded bare conductor having its intermediate portion welded to said part of the terminal member, the opposite ends of said conductor being likewise welded `to the respective lugs of said contactor, for the purpose set forth, the respective arms of said support at one side thereof being notched to accommodate portions of said conductor, to minimize the required length of the latter, and a pair of combined contact and terminal members respectively under-- lying the opposite ends of said contactor and into and out of engagement with which the latter is adapted to move selectively. a

7. In -an electric switch, in combination, an inverted cup-shaped sheet metal housing having an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof, a lever the handle portion of which is insertable upwardly throughy said opening, said lever having a pair of laterally extending pivot studs adapted to b'ear against the inner surface'of said upper end wall, an inverted substantially U- shaped sheet metal frame the intermediate portion of the upper end wall of which is out away to provide for telescopic movement thereof `upwardly over the le'wer end of said lever, the upper edges of the side walls of said frame at the cut away portion thereof each having a substantially semicircular notch to underlie and partially surround the respective pivot studs, for the purpose set forth, said upper end wall of said housing and said frame each having a pair of other *openings respectively alined with `each other, and a pair of headed rivets penetrating said last mentioned openings and having their shanksupset to permanently secure all of said Darts in assembled relation.

8. In ani electric switch, incombination, an inverted cup-shaped sheet metal housing having' an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof, a substantially flat sheets metal supportplate superimposed upon said upper end wall,` said plate having an opening alined with said opening first mentioned, a lever the handle portionA of which is insertableupwardly through said alined openings, said lever having laterally extending pivot studs adapted to bear against the lever, the upper ends of the side walls of said frame-having notches to Vunderlie and fit said pivot studs, to thereby restrict said lever to oscillation in a single plane, said plate, said upper end Wall and said frame each having a plurality of other openings respectively alined with each other, and a corresponding number of fastening elements penetrating said last mentioned openings and adapted to secure all of said parts in properly assembled relation.

9. In an electric switch, in combination, an inverted cup-shaped sheet metal housing having an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof, a substantially flat sheet metal support plate superimposed upon said upper end wall, said plate having any opening alined with said opening first mentioned, a lever the handle portion of which is insertable upwardly through said alined openings, said lever having laterally extending pivot studs adapted to bear against the inner surface of said upper end Wall, an inverted substantially U-shaped .sheet metal frame the intermediate portion of the upper end of which is cut away to provide for telescopic movement thereof upwardly over the lower end of said lever, the upper ends' of the side Walls of said frame having notches to underlie and i-lt said pivot studs, to thereby restrict said lever to oscillation in a single plane, said plate, said upper end wall and said frame each havinga plurality of other openings respectively alined with each other, a corresponding number of fastening elements penetrating said last mentioned openings and adapted to secure all of said parts in properly assembled relation, said lever being composed of relatively soft metal such as brass, Aand said housing, frame and pivot studs being-composed of relatively hard metal such as steel, forthe purposeset forth.

10. In an electric switch, in combination, an inverted cup-shaped sheet metal housing having an Aopening formed in the upper end wall thereof, a substantially flat/sheet metal support plate superimposed upon said upper end wall, said plate having an opening alined with said opening rst mentioned, a lever the handle portion of which is insertable upwardly through said alined openings, said lever having laterally extending pivot studs adaptedto bear against the inner surface of said upper end wall, an inverted pivot studs, to thereby restrict said lever to oscillation in a single plane, said plate, said upper end' wall and said frame each having a plurality of other openings respectively\alined with each other, a corresponding number of fastening elements penetrating said last mentioned' openings and adapted to secure all of said parts in properly assembled relation, said lever having a drilled passage extending transversely therethrough, a

steel member having an enlarged intermediaten portion adapted for a drive t within -said pasan opening formed in the upper end wall thereof, a manually operable lever formed of relatively soft metal, the handle portion of said lever being insertable upwardly through said opening, said lever having a transverse opening vformed therein, a member formed of relatively hard metal having a drive fit within said opening, said member having-opposite end portions of cylindrical form extending laterally from said lever and adapted to bear against the lower surface of said end wall, and means including a metal frame underlying said end portions of said member and cooperating therewith to restrict said lever to oscillation about a substantially fixed center.

12. In an electric switch, in combination, an inverted cup-shaped housing formed of sheet stoel, said housing having an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof, a machined lever formed of brass or an alloy thereof, the handle portion of said lever being insertable upwardly through said opening, said lever having a drilled opening extending transversely therethrough intermediate the length thereof, a steel member having a straight-knurled intermediate portion adapted for a drive fit into said opening to substantially fill the same, said member having reduced substantially` cylindrical end portions adapted to bear against the inner surface of said upper end wall, a sheet metal frame member underlying said cylindrical end portions and adapted. to restrict said lever to oscillation about a substantially fixed center, means for rigidly attaching said frame member to said housing, and means carried by said frame member to positively limit the degree of oscillatory movement of said lever in each direction.

13. In an electric switch, in combination, an inverted cup-shaped housingformed of sheet steel, said housing having an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof, ai machined lever formed of brass or an alloy thereof, the handle portiony of said lever being insertable upwardly through said opening, said lever having-a drilled opening extending transversely therethrough intermediate the length thereof, a steel member having a straight-knurled intermediate portion adapted for a drive fit into said opening to substantially ll the same, said member having reduced substantially cylindrical end portions adapted to bear uagainst the inner surface of said upper end wall, a sheet metal( frame member underlying said cylindrical end portions and i adapted to restrict said lever to oscillation about a substantially fixed center, means for rigidly attaching said frame member to said housing, means carried by said frame -member to positively limit the degree of oscillatory movement of said lever in each direction, and spring-operthe upper end wall thereof, a machined leverformed-f brass or an alloy thereof, the handle portion of said lever being insertable upwardly through said opening, said lever having a drilled K 2,267,203 sage, and said pivot studs being formed integrally opening extending transversely therethrough intermediate the length thereof, a steel member having a straight-knurled intermediate portion adapted for a drive fit into said opening to substantially ll the same, said member having yreduced substantially cylindrical end portions adapted to bear against the inner surface of said upper end wall, a sheet metal frame member underlying said cylindrical end portions and adaptl0 ed to restrict said lever to oscillation about a substantially fixed center, means for rigidly attaching said frame member to said housing, means carried by said frame member to positively limit the degree of oscillatory movement l5 of said lever in each direction, and spring-operated means associated with said last mentioned means and with said lever tobias the latter out of one or the other or both of its extreme positions, for the purpose set forth.

15. In an electric switch, in combination, an inverted cup-shaped housing formed of relatively hard, wear-resisting metal, said housing having an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof,

a manually operable lever formed of relatively soft metal, the vhandle portion of said lever being insertable upwardly through said opening, said lever having a transverse opening formed therein, a memberformed of relatively hard metal having a drive fit within said opening, said member having opposite end portions of cylindrical form extending laterally from said lever and adapted to bear against the lower surface of said end wall, means including a metalframe underlying said end portions of said member and cooperating therewith to restrict said lever to oscillation about a substantially xed center, said lever having a cavity formed therein and opening to the lower end thereof, the lower portion of said cavity being of relatively large diameter and the upper end portion thereof being of relatively small diameter, and said last mentioned portion extending upwardly through and beyond said hard metal member, for the purpose set forth.

s' 16. In an electric switch, in combination, an

i5 inverted cup-shaped housing formed of relatively hard, Wear-resisting metal, said housing having an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof,

a manually operable lever formed of relatively soft metal, the handle portion of said lever being insertable upwardly through said opening, said lever" having a transverse opening formed therein, a member formed of relatively hard metal having a drive f-lt within said opening, said meml ber having vopposite end portions of cylindrical form extending laterally from said' lever and adapted to bear against the lower surface of said end wall, means including a metal frame under-` lying said end portions of said member and cooperating therewith to restrict said'` lever to oscillation about a substantially fixed center, said lever having a cavity formed therein and opening to the lower end thereof, the lower portion of said cavity being of relatively large diameter and the upper end portion thereof being of relatively small diameter, said` last mentioned portion extending upwardly through and beyond saidv hard metal member, for the purpose set forth,

a plunger having a metal portion slidable within y said upper end portion of said cavity 'and an insulating portion slidable within the lower end portion thereof, and a relatively strong coiled compression spring interposed between said insulating portion of said plunger and the upper end wall of said lower portion of the cavity. 17. In an electric switch, in combination, an

of said roller and to provide downwardly openinverted cup-shaped housing formed of relatively hard, wear-resisting metal, said housing having an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof, a manually operable lever formed of relatively soft metal, the handle portion of said lever being y insertable upwardly through said opening, said lever having a transverse opening formed therein, a member formed of relatively hard metal having a drive fit within said opening, said member having opposite end portions of cylindrical form extending laterally from said lever and adapted to bear against the lower surface of said end wall, means including a metal frame underlying said end portions of said member and cooperating therewith to restrict said lever to oscillation about a substantially fixed center, said lever having a cavity formed therein and opening to the lower end thereof, the lower portion of said cavity being of relatively large diameter and the upper end portion thereof being of relatively small diameter, said last mentioned portion extending upwardly through and beyond said hard metal member, for the purpose set forth, a plunger having a metal portion slidable within said upper end portion of said cavity and an insulating portion slidable within the lowerv end portion thereof, a relatively strong coiled compression spring interposed between said insulating portion of said plunger and the upper end wall of said lower portion of the cavity, the lower end portion of said lev`er having'a kerf proing bearings for said pivot studs.

19. In an electric switch, in combination, an inverted cup-shaped sheet metal housing having an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof, a lever the handle portion of which is insertable upwardly through said opening, said lever having a pair ,of laterally extending pivot studs adapted to bear against the inner surface of said upper end wall, a metal frame member rigidly secured to said upper end wall, said frame vidingopposed slots, and the insulating portion of said plunger having integral ribs respectively engageable with the walls of s aid slots to restrain said plunger against relative rotation.

18. Int an electric switch, in combination, an

ing, said member having opposite end portions of cylindrical form extending laterally from said lever and adapted to bear against the lower sur-` face of said end wall, means including a metal frame underlying said end portions of said member and cooperating therewith to restrict said lever to oscillation about a substantially xed center, said lever having acavity formed therein and opening to the lower end thereof, the lower portion of said cavity being of relatively large diameter and the upper end portion thereof being of relatively small diameter/said last mentioned portion extending upwardly through and beyond said hard metal member, for the purpose set forth, a plungerv having a metal portion slidable within said upper end portion of said cavity and an insulating portion slidable within the lower end portion thereof, a relatively strong coiled compression spring interposed between said insulating portion of said plunger and the upper end wall of said lower portion of the cavity, the lower end portion of said lever having a kerf providing opposed slots, the insulating pormember having bearing portions underlying said pivot 'studsto provide a substantially fixed piv` otal laxis for said lever, the peripheral Wall of said housing being` of approximately elliptical contour, said housing having a horizontal ange of substantially rectangular contour at the lower end thereof, a molded insulating base having a `flat portion against which said flange is adapted to seat, said flange and said base having alined openings at each of the four corners thereof, and a corresponding number of fastening members penetrating said openings and adapted to rigidly and permanently secure said housing and base to each other.

20. In an electric switch, in combination, an inverted cup-shaped sheet metal housing havingA an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof, a lever the handle portion of which is insertable upwardly through said opening, said lever having a pair of laterally extending pivot studs adapted to bear against the inner surface of said upper end wall, a metal frame member rigidly secured to said upper end wall, said frame member having bearing portions underlying said pivot studs to provide a substantially fixed pivotal axis for said lever, the peripheral wall of said housing being of approximately elliptical contour, said housing having a horizontal flange of substantially rectangular contour at the lower end thereof, a molded insulating base having a flat portion against which said iiange is adapted to seat, said flange and said base having alined openings at each of the four corners thereof, a corresponding number of fasteningmembers penetrating said openings andadapted to rigidly and permanently secure said housing and base to each other, said base having a flat raised portion formed integrally therewith, and a section of wound Jpaper tubing closely surrounding said raised portion and accommodat- `ed'by the peripheral wall of said housing to provide an insulating lining for the latter.

'21. In an electric switch, in combination, an

inverted cup-shaped sheet metal housing having an opening formed in the upper end wall thereof, a lever the handle portion of which `is insertable upwardly through saidopening, said lever having alpair of laterally extending pivot studs adapted to Ibear against the inner surface of said upper end wall, a metal frame member` rigidly secured to said upper end wall, said frame tion of said plunger having integral ribs respec- Y 4 member having bearing -portions underlying said pivot studs to 'provide a substantially fixed pivotal axis for said lever, the peripheral wall of said housing being of approximately elliptical contour, said housing having a horizontal flange of substantially rectangular contour at the lower end thereof, a molded insulating base having a. at portion against which said flange is adapted to seat, said iiange and said base having alined openings at each of the four corners thereof, a

corresponding number of fastening members ypenetrating said openings and adapted to rigidlyv and permanently secure said housing and'base to each other, said base having a at raised portion formed integrally therewith, a section of Wound paper tubing closely surrounding said raised portion and accommodated by the peripheral wall of said housing to provide an insulating lining for the latter, said base having a stationary contact and a tiltable 'contactor carried by said base within said housing, the wiring terminal elements of said contact and contacter being exposed upon the outer surface of said base, and a spring-pressed plunger associated with said lever and cooperable with said contactor to jointly with said actuating element upon a predetermined degree of tilting movement of the latter. I

24. In an electric switch, in combination, a substantially U-shaped metal support, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element adapted to seat upon said support, a. punched and stamped sheet metal contactor adapted to sury round said support and having portions superber having bearing portions underlying said pvot studs to provide a substantially xed pivotal axis for said lever, the peripheral wall of said housing being of approximately elliptical contour, said housing having a horizontal iiange of substantially rectangular contour at the lower end thereoi, a molded insulating base having a' fiat portion against which said flange is adapted to seat, said flange and said base having alined openings at each of the four corners thereof, a corresponding number of fastening members penetrating said openings and adapted to rigidly and permanently secure said housing and base to each other, said base `having a fiat raised portion formed integrally therewith, a section of wound paper tubing closely surrounding said raised portiony and accommodated by the peripheral wall of said housing to provide an insulating lining for the latter, said base having a stationary contact and a tiltable contactor carried by said base within said housing, the wiring terminal elements of said contact and contactor being exposed upon the outer surface of said base, a. spring-pressed plunger associated with said lever and cooperable with said oontactor to eiect tilting movement of the latter into and out of engagement with said contact, said contact and said contactor each being composed of a base metal or a base metal alloy of vgood electrical conductivity, and each having rigidly and permanently attached thereto a contacting tip composed of silver or silver alloy.

23. In an electric switch, in4 combination, a substantially U-shaped metal support, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element 'adapted to seat upon said support, a punched and stamped sheet metal contacter adapted to surround said support and having portions superimposed upon the actuating element, spring means normally acting to retain said last mentioned parts in engagement with each other while yieldably permitting relative movement therebetween, and said contacter having portions underlying portions of said actuating element to provide for positive movement of said contacter imposed upon the actuating element, spring means normally acting to retain said last mentioned parts in engagement with each other While vyieldably permitting relative movement therebetween, said contacter having portions underlying portions of said actuating element to provide for positive movement of said contacter jointly with said actuating element upon a predetermined degree of tilting movement of the latter, a wiring terminal member associated with said suppom, and a stranded conductor attached to said terminal member and to said contactor to insure a good electrical connection therebetween,

25. In an electric switch, in combination, a manually operable lever formed ofrelatively soft metal, said lever having a transverse opening formed therein, a member formed of relatively hard metal having a straight-knurled intermediate portion adapted for a drive fit within said opening, said member having reduced, integral opposite end portions of cylindrical form extending laterally from said lever and adapted to -pro- .vide pivot studs therefor, said lever having a cavity formed therein and opening to the lower end thereof, the lower portion of said cavity being of relatively large diameter and the upper end portion thereof being of relatively small diameter, said last mentioned portion of the cavity extending upwardly through and beyond said hard metal member, a plunger having a, metal portion slidable within said upper end portion of said cavity and an insulating portion slidable within the lower end portion thereof, and a coiled compression spring interposed betweenl said insulating portion of said plunger and the upper end wall of said lower end portion of said cavity.

26. In, an electric switch, in combination, a substantially U-shaped metal support, the arms of said support each having an upwardly opening rectangular bearing notch formed therein, a punched and stamped sheet metal actuating element having oppositely extending flat arm portions adapted to seat Within the respectlve bearing notches, a punched and stamped sheet contactor having portions thereof superimposed upon said arm portions of the actuating element, means comprisingv a pair of 'coiled compression springs associated with said arm portions and said contactor portions to normally maintain the same in engagement while yieldably permitting tilting movement'ofsaid actuating element relatively to 4said contactor under given conditions, and said contactorhaving portions underlying portions of said actuating element to provide for positive movement of' said contactor jointly with said actuating element upon a predetermined degree of tilting movement of the latter.

ALVIN W. KRIEGER. 

